Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 16992, John Forbes, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
New York
Forbes, John Abiahi
W. 16992
CONTENTS

14982  New York  John Forbes of Cayuga in the State of N. York who was a Private  Sergt. in the Comp y command by Captain Smith of the Reg t command by Col o in the N. York line for 1 Yr.
Enscribed on the Roll of N. York the rate of 60 Dollars — Cents per annu m to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 day of July 1833 and Ruth M c Paul Duburn
  Arrears to the 4th of Ma: 33  $ 120    Rem d ant. allowance ending 4 Sp: 33  30         $ 150  
Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. J. C. Stiles Clerk
Recorded by Book E. Vol. 3. Page 36.

40012 Increase of NEW YORK
Abiah Forbes dec d widow of John Forbes who died on the 14 July 1839 of Wayne in the State of New York who was a Sgt in the Comp y commanded by Captain Smith of the Reg t commanded by _____ in the New York line for one year N.Y.
Ins d on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 60 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14 day of July, 1839 & end 18 July 1848 when she died. pay
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 nd day of October 1839 and sent to W. J. Bottom. Hastings
Swears to the 4th of Barry Co. Semi-annual allowance ending Mich.
Increase from $30.00 Payable to only surviving children
Joint Resolution { Revolutionary Claim, 1 July 1848 } Act July 4, 1836, Section the
Recorded by _____ Clerk Book _____ Vol. 2 Page 43
See back of this file

Reported Unknown Children by Prudence Williams & Polly Edgerton

In the matter of John Forbs
No 306. John Forbs—
Agent A Gould Auburn NY
admd 12 mo. Sergh
60 0

State of New York
Cayuga County ss. On the 25 th day of July 1882 personally appeared in open court before me J. L. Richardson Esq. first Judge of the Court of Com- mon Pleas in and for the County of Cayuga and State aforesaid
John Hobbs a resident of the town of Fleming in the County of Cayuga and State of New York aged eighty eight Years who being first sworn ac- cording to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated, he inlisted about the first of August in the Year 1877 for five Months under Col. Graham, the Name of his Lieut. Col. was Hopkins, there was no Capt. in command of the company to which he belonged, but said com- pany was commanded by Lieut. Friniger who died during the time he this deponent was in the service - at the time of his inlistment he resided at the  Fishkill Patten in Dutches County in the State of New York - That he immediately thereafter and went into the service of his country. The first engagement he was in was at White Plains, & from thence this deponent marched with the company to which he belonged to Peekskill - at which place he this de- ponent was placed as Sergeant of the guard over the Continental Store, and was not relieved at the expiration of the five Months for which he inlisted, but continued in charge thereof for about two weeks thereafter at which time he was relieved & discharged - and thinks

his discharge was verbal, for he has no written discharge now in his possession. Neither can he now recollect of ever having had one. After which he enlisted for nine months, and he then went to go under Col. Wyeusfelt on an expedition against the Indians under General Sullivan which enlistment, he thinks, was in the spring of 1778. That soon after his enlistment his family was taken sick & he was obliged to furnish a substitute, which said substitute served the term of his enlistment & brought to him this deponent, his discharge, for which he this deponent paid to said substitute six to twelve dollars of what - That afterwards the this deponent was drafted in the service of his country for short periods at four different times, at one time he went to West Point where he remained about three months, and was then discharged, at an other time he went to Cornwall under the command of Col. Peabody & Capt. Cestrane & thinks he remained there about one month before he was discharged, at an other time he went to West Point under the command of Capt. Smith & Lt. Harris, and was there about one month before he was discharged - and at one other time he went to Fishkill, was under the command of Col. Brinkerhoof & Capt. Bunn. Scoten, and how long this deponent was at this last place before he was discharged he cannot now state, but thinks it must have been one month or more. That the discharge bro't to him by his said substitute for the nine months service was burnt at the his dwelling house near  the  house & also all other vouchers and evidence of his service as a soldier during the revolutionary war, were consumed at the same time, so that he has not now in his possession

any documentary evidence of such service - Neither is there, to his knowledge, any person now living who had personal knowledge of such his service except one Solomon Ward Ward who will state as far as he has any knowledge thereof - he was born in the town of Flushing on Long Island in the Year 1743; has not now any record of his age it was burnt with his dwelling house, that he lived in the town of Cambridge in Washington County & State aforesaid for several years. since that time has been moving from place to place - that the Reverend Midad Tomeroy and Doct. Jonathan Whitney will certify as to their belief of my character for truth and veracity and also give their opinion of my services as a revolutionary soldier - Isaac Doolittle
Stephen D. Dole
He hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension or an- nuity, except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state -
any state - known to & subscribed the day and year aforesaid J. L. Richards Notary Public
We Midad Pomeroy - a clergyman residing in the town of Auburn in the county of Cayuga and state of New York, and Jonathan Whitney of the same place hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Forbes who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be right in his years of age, that he is respected and beloved, in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion - Midad Pomeroy
That opinion - Sworn & subscribed this day & year aforesaid J. L. Nichols as an fact. Such able argument!
Edward Pommeroy Jonathan Whitney

And the said Judge do hereby declare his opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department that the above applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states - and the court further certifies that it appears to them that Midad Pomeroy - who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman resident in the town of Auburn - county and state aforesaid, and that Jonathan Whitney who has also signed the same is a resident of the same place and is a credible person, aged that their statement is entitled to credit - Certify that in my opinion the said John Forbs is unable to attend court by reason of bodily infirmities - I. L. Root and at first such effusion  I Michael S. Myers Clerk of Cayuga Common Pleas Court do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court  matter in the matter of the application of John Forbs for a pension - that the interlineations & erasures on the 4, 7, 13 & 16 lines from the top of the second page were made before said declaration was signed -  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this day of 1832
State of New York } Cayuga County ss. } I Michael S. Myers Clerk of said County do certify that Joseph L. Richardson Esquire before whom the preceding affidavit purports to have been taken and subscribed, was on the day the same was done, the first Judge of Cayuga County Court duly qualified by law to take the same, and that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of such Judge and truly believe that the signature prefixed to said affidavit, purporting to be his is genuine. Witness my hand & seal of office the 25th July 1832  M. S. Myers

State of New York
Cayuga County
On this sixth day of May A D 1883 personally appeared before me the subscriber first Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in & for said County John Forbes who being duly sworn doth on his oath make the following declaration supplementary and in addition to the annexed declaration made by him in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832.
That by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his services but according to his best recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below and in the following grades. For one year and one month I served as orderly sergeant and for such service I claim a pension.
My first term of service mentioned in said declaration commenced on or about the first of August 1777 and closed on or about the 15 th of January following, having continued a term of five months and a half.
My term of service at Westpoint as stated in said declaration commenced as I believe about the first of May 1779 and closed about the first of August following having continued a term of three months. I was drafted and served under officers who were strangers to me & whose names I do not now remember except one Lieut Hardenburgh. I was employed during the whole time in building fortifications at and near Westpoint.
My next term of service stated in said declaration commenced about the first of June, 1780 as I believe and continued one month and was stationed at Crompond.
My next term of service as stated in said declaration commenced on or about the first of October 1780 being

a few days after the treachery & escape of Genl. Arnold - I went to West point under the command of Capt Smith & Lieut Harris where I was stationed one month.
My next term of service mentioned in said declaration commenced soon after in the same year to wit about the 10 th of Nov 1780. I marched to Compond under the officers therein stated where I was stationed one month and a half as I believe. I was in the company commanded by Capt Benscoter & Lieut Todd in the Regiment commanded by Col Brinkerhoof as stated in said declaration. I cannot recollect the names of my regiment & company officers farther than above stated I served all the time as Sergeant. From Washington County I removed to the County of Cayuga aforesaid and have lived at different places in said County ever since.
I was drafted at every term of service except the first term mentioned in said declaration as I believe the day of year aforesaid John Forbes
J. L. Richardson First Judge of Cayuga
I certify my opinion that said John Forbes is a man of truth & veracity May 6 th 1833
J. L. Richardson First Judge of Cayuga
State of New York Cayuga County } I Michael S Myers Clerk of the court of common Pleas in & for said county do certify that Joseph L Richardson before whom the foregoing declaration was made was on the day of the date of the same first judge of said Court - that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Judge and believe his signature to said declaration and the accompanying certificate to be genuine Witness my hand and seal of office the sixth day of May 1833
M. S. Myers Clerk

Cayuga County ss. Solomon Ward of Auburn in the County of Cayuga and State of New York being duly sworn, deposeth, and saith, that he is, and has been for a long time acquainted with John Forbes described in his declaration made, for the purpose of obtaining the benefits of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832, before J. S. Richardson Esq. first Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Cayuga aforesaid. That he was acquainted with the said John Forbes during the Revolutionary war, and knows that he enlisted and was in the five months service in the Year 1777 - that he this deponent went with the said John Forbes when on his way to Red Bank, and saw him when he met with his company at a place called Shesht Valley in Dutchess County - That the company to which the said John Forbes belonged was commanded by Lieutenant Trinsey who died, as this deponent was informed some time during the five months the said John Forbes was in the service That the said John Forbes lived two or three years during the Revolutionary war, on his father's farm, and he this deponent saw the said John set out to go into the service of his country several other times during the Revolutionary war besides the five months above mentioned, - he was gone for short periods only a few months or weeks at a one time, and this deponent cannot now re- collect in what company he served at either time or to what particular place he went, but ac- cording to the best recollection and belief of this deponent, he should think the said John Forbes served his country during the Revolutionary war

at least twelve months, independent of the service of his substitute, who supplied the place of his enlistment for nine months to go on an expedition against the Indians under General Sullivan - and he this deponent further saith that he was present when the said John Forbes enlisted for the said nine months service, and was acquainted with and knew the substitute furnished by the said John, his name was Jonas Churchwell, he served in the same company with me during the nine months - and further this deponent saith Not -
Subscribed & sworn this 26th day of July 1832 before me -
Solomon Ward Solomon Ward
Inst. L. W. I. P. C.
I certify my opinion that said Solomon Ward was on the 26th day of July 1832 a man of truth & veracity & that he is now dead April 1 1833
Inst. L. W. I. P. C.
State of New York Cayuga County ss
I Michael J. Myers, Clerk of said county
do certify that James W. Lewis Esquire, before whom the above affidavit purports to have been sworn was at the date of the same one of the Justices of the peace in and for said county, and that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name subscribed to said affidavit to be in his proper hand writing and signature - Neither my hand and seal of office. This Eighth day of April A.D 1832.
M. J. Myers Clerk
for P. H. Myers D.D. Clerk
Ms 5907 Solomon Ward

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the third section of the act of Congress of the 4 th of July 1836.
State of New York County of Wayne ss. On this thirtieth day of August in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty three, personally appeared before Hiram P. Jones one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Wayne aforesaid Abiah Forbes who ~~~~~ ~~~~~ doth on her oath ~~~~~ make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed July 4, 1836 ~~~~~
That she is a resident of the town of Savannah County of Wayne State of New York aged Eighty nine years and upwards -
That she is the widow of John Finke deceased late a resident of the town of Coeymans and State of New York, who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution and served as this declarant has been informed and believes for some time as a sergeant in Colonel Graham Regiment of the New York Line.
That her said husband was at the time of his death and had been for several years previous thereto in the receipt of a Pension of Fifty dollars per year from the Government of the United States for his services as a soldier in the Revolutionary Army —
That her maiden name was Abiah Ward, that she was born as she is informed and believes in the County of Dutchess & State aforesaid in the year one thousand seven hundred and fifty four and was married

to the said John Forbes sometime in the month of January one thousand seven hundred and sixty nine — by the Reverend Wheeler Bane an Episcopal Clergyman in the County of Dutchess & State aforesaid.
That she has no documentary evidence of her marriage in her possession and believes there is none in existence.
That her brother Daniel A. Ward was present at her marriage and is now living and resides in the County of Cayuga —
She further declares that her said husband the aforesaid John Forbes died on the fourteenth day of July one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine and that she has remained a widow ever since, as will more fully appear by reference to the Proof hereunto annexed —
In presence of
Abiah her Forbes
I hereby certify that on the day and year first above written the above declaration was in my presence by making her mark — signed by the above named Abiah Forbes and that by her Oath by me duly administered to her, she verified the same in due form of law and that the same was read over to and fully understood by her, and I do hereby further certify that it is my opinion that the above named Abiah Forbes is not able on account of feeble health and bodily infirmity to attend a court for the purpose of making her declaration — and that the said Abiah Forbes did not renounce her name to the foregoing affi- davit by reason of the allegation of her inability to do so —
Hiram P. Jones Judge of Wayne County Courts

State of New York
County of Wayne Co. Lester Williams being duly sworn says that he resides in the town of Savannah in the county aforesaid and is sixty years old & upwards —
That he is well acquainted with Abiah Forbes widow of John Forbes deceased, who now resides with this deponent (who is her son in law) that he was acquainted with the said John Forbes deceased during his lifetime and also the said Abiah for thirty years & upwards —
That the said John Forbes deceased & the said Abiah during the time this deponent has been acquainted with them & up to the death of the said John Forbes always lived together as husband & wife & this deponent has always been informed and verily believes that they had been lawfully married sometime previous to the Revolutionary war —
That the said John Forbes for several years previous to his death received a Pension of sixty dollars per year for his services in the War of the Revolution. That he died on the fourteenth day of July A.D. 1839 & that his widow the said Abiah Forbes is still living & has not been again married —
Lester his X Williams Mark
I hereby certify that the above named Lester Williams who is well known to me to be a man of truth & veracity personally appeared before me this 30 th day of August 1843 and subscribed the foregoing affidavit, by me sworn duly administered by me to him verified the same —
Lyman P. Jones a Judge of Wayne County Courts

State of New York
Wayne County Clerks Office. ss.
I hereby certify that Hiram P Jones Esquire before whom the preceding Affidavit purports to have been sworn, and whose signature ap- pear to the within Jurat, was, at the time said Affidavit purports to have been taken Judge of the County  of the courts  for in & for said County, legally authorized to take the same, And further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Judge, and that his signature to said Jurat is genuine
Witness my hand and Seal of Office at Lyons this first day of September A.D. 1843.
E. A. Palmer, Dep Clerk of said County

State of New York
County of Seneca Daniel A. Ward of the town of Seneca and in said county and state upon his solemn affirmation doth depose and say that he is aged eighty four years and upwards and is the brother of Abiah Forbes widow of John Forbes deceased now residing in the town of Savannah in the County of Wayne
This affirmitant further says that he was well acquainted with the said John Forbes during his lifetime, that he served with him in the Revolutionary war and that said Forbes served for some time as a major sergeant in Colonel Graham's Regiment of the New York Line and was at the battle of White Plains and at the time of his death and for several years received a Pension from the Government for his services in the Revolutionary War -
This affirmitant further says that the said John Forbes was married to the aforesaid Abiah the sister of this affirmitant sometimes previous to the Revolutionary war but the particular year in which the marriage took place he does not now remember
This affirmitant was present at the marriage of the said John Forbes to his said sister Abiah and that the marriage was solemnised by the Rev Wheeler Chase a clergyman of the Episcopal church residing in the County of Dutchess where the marriage took place -
This affirmitant further says that the said John Forbes died on the 14th day of July A.D. 1837 and that his widow the said Abiah Forbes is still living and has not been again married -
Daniel A. Ward
Affirmed and subscribed before me this 31st day of August 1843 Silas H. Hildreth Esq. Justice of the Peace for the County of Cayuga State of New York
I hereby certify that the above named Daniel A. Ward who is well known to me to be a man of truth and veracity personally appeared before me this thirty first day of August and in my

presence subscribed the foregoing affidavit and and by his solemn affirmation duly admin- istered by me to him verified the same Tiberius Jefferson Bryant
Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Cayuga  Seneca N.Y.
State of New York Cayuga Co. ss. Office of William Richardson Clerk of the County of Cayuga do hereby certify that Tiberius Jefferson Bryant Esq. was on the 31 st day of August last a Justice of the Peace in and for said said County, duly qualified; And that I am well acquainted with his handwriting and verily believe that the signatures to the annexed with foregoing instruments are genuine. In Witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said County this 1 st day of September A.D. 1843. W. Richardson C.R.
9783 5953
Abiah Forbes
NY
act of July 36
M 72. do 39
Service after 29 days duted by notes & dis allowed
adm.
emo Aug 9
$30.
A. C. Bloomer Esq. Seneca Falls N.Y.

5953
Abiah Forbes
NY
act of July 36
m 72. d 39
Service after 29 dis credited by rolls & dis allowed
adm.
emo lev 4
$30.
This account was paid up and paid by the Dept of Veterans Affairs 1843. W. Richardson Secy
D. G. Bloomer Esq Seneca Falls NY.

Barry County Court of February Term 1850 Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Joint Resolution of the 1 st of July 1848 State of Michigan Barry County } ss.
On the Fifth day of February 1850 personally appeared before the Court in open Court William J. Botten of Barry County in said State who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Joint Resolution of the 1 st of July 1848 That this deponent as Agent makes this Declaration for the children of Abiah Forbes deceased widow of John Forbes late a pensioner of the United States. That the said John Forbes as a pensioner of the United States. That the said Abiah Forbes was a resident of Saratoga County New York and a pensioner of the United States as the widow of John Forbes at the rate of thirty dollars per annum and died on the 18 th day of July 1848 Eighteen hundred and forty eight leaving the following named children her surviving who are the only surviving children viz. Prudence Will- iams of Wayne County New York and Polly Col- -grove of Cayuga County New York Subscribed and sworn to before the court in open Court. W. J. Botten

on the fifth day of February 1850. and the Court certifies that the said William J. Batterson the enrolled and Respected Person
Hiram Greenfield County Judge Barry County Court and State of Michigan
State of Michigan ss.
County of Barry ss I Willard Ray, Clerk in and for the County of of Barry and State aforesaid, and of the County Court of said County do hereby certify that Hiram Greenfield whose name is attached to the above certificate  instrument was at the time of subscribing the same and now is the County Judge of said County of Barry and by the Laws of this State he is duly authorized to certify to said certificate  instrument and other instru- ments in writing. And I do hereby further certify that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Hiram Green- field, and know that he subscribed his name to the above instrument.
Declaration
In testimony whereof I have hereto above affixed the seal of the said County Court, and my hand at Hastings this 5 th day of February A.D. 1850.
Willard Ray Clerk

STATE OF NEW-YORK, } ss. County of Duchess. }
I, Robert Mitchell, Clerk of the County of Duchess,
DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That Samuel A. M c Cord Esquire whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of the attestation of the annexed affidavit, was on the Twelfth day of October A D 1843 when the same was taken an Acting Justice of the Peace in and for in and for the County aforesaid, dwelling in the said County, in the town of Pleasant Valley duly elected and sworn and duly authorized by the laws of the State of New York to take affidavits &c
AND FURTHER, That I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice and verily believe that the signature to the said Certificate of attestation is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the said County, the 12 th day of October — A. D. 1843
Rob t Mitchell

State of New York
County of Dutchess On this twelfth day of October A D 1843 before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace of the said County personally appeared the Reverend Benjamin D. Wile with whom I am personally acquainted who being first duly sworn say that he is a Presbyterian Clergyman residing in the town of Pleasant Valley in said County of Dutchess and that the Reverend Wheeler Call was his predecessor and that the following is in all respects a true & correct extract from the records of the official acts of said base and preserved in the records of the said Church in said town of Pleasant Valley. To wit:-
"1772"
"Feby. the 5 married John, Forbes & Abia Ward!"
B. D. Wile
Sworn & subscribed to this 12 th day of October 1843
Samuel H. McCorn Justice of the Peace
Click

April 13, 1935
XXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/TEL John Forbes-W.16992
Mrs. Elsie Forbes DeVine 690 Thompson Avenue Salem, Oregon
Dear Madam:
The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, W.16992, based upon the military service of John Forbes in that war.
John Forbes was born in 1743, in Flushing, Long Island. The names of his parents are not shown.
While a resident of Piskill, Dutchess County, New York, John Forbes enlisted in the Revolutionary War and was in the battle of White Plains; no details of this service given; he enlisted August 1, 1777, served under Lieutenant Tripler and Colonel Graham in the New York Troops and was discharged January 15, 1778; he enlisted May 1, 1779, and served until August 1, 1779, under Lieutenant Hardening in the New York Troops; he enlisted June 1, 1780, and served one month in Captain Gatsnet's Company, Colonel Raily's New York Regiment; enlisted October 1, 1780, and served one month in Captain Smith's New York Company; and enlisted November 10, 1780, and served one and one-half months in Captain Van Buschoten's Company, Colonel Brinkerhoff's New York Regiment. All of his service was rendered as a sergeant.
Found such a Lt. Graham in Regt.
Found out in NY. In the Revolution in this ser.
After the Revolution, he lived in Cambridge, Washington County, New York, and in several other towns, names of these towns not given.
He was allowed pension on his application executed July 25, 1832, while residing in Fleming, Cayuga County, New York.
He died July 14, 1839, in Savannah, New York.
The soldier married Abiah Ward, who was born in 1754, in Dutchess County, New York. They were married in said Dutchess County, in January, 1780, according to a statement of the widow on February 5, 1778

as shown by a copy of the marriage record of the Presbyterian Church of Pleasant Valley, Dutchess County, New York. On this copy of the marriage record, the soldier's name appears as John Forbes and her name as Abia Ward.
Soldier's widow, Abiah, was allowed pension on her application executed August 30, 1843, while residing in Savannah, New York.
She died July 18, 1848, in said Savannah, New York.
The following children survived their mother:
Prudence Williams of Savannah, New York. Polly Colgrove " Cayuga County, New York; in 1850 Polly was residing in Aurelius, same county and state.
No other names of children are shown.
In 1843, Lester Williams, of Savannah, New York, stated that he was aged sixty years and was a son-in-law of the widow, Abiah Forbes; he did not give the name of his wife. In 1848, the name Daniel Williams appears as relationship to Prudence Williams' was shown.
In 1848, the widow's brother, Daniel A. Ward, was aged eighty-four years and resided in Seneca County, New York.
There are no further family data.
Very truly yours
A. D. MILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

Inverness
Abiah Forbes did, widow of John -
N. 9.
Act 4 th July '36 & Comr
Resolution 1 st July 1848 -
Act - S ct 1 year $60. Cape Smith Co., Col. Colo
Res t - From 14 th July, 1839, the day of his death, to 18 th July - 1848, the day of her death - Pay- able to Prudence Williams and Polly Colgrove, her only surviving children - Deduce payments made said acts at $30 per an.
Certificate sent to W. J. Bottom Hastings Harry Co Mich.

Hastings Barry Co Mich October 10th 1850
Sir
On the 7th day of July last I sent to your Office the required Declaration in the case of Abiah Forbes deceased widow of John Forbes Revolutionary pensioner of the United States.
In this case the papers had been examined and all was correct - except the declaration which was improperly executed and it would seem that when corrected or properly authenticated a Certificate should issue and not subject the parties concerned to the delay consequent to the business turn of the Office.
Very Respectfully Dear Col. Lupton Mr. J. Bottom
Hon. J. L. Beveridge Washington D. C.

Hastings Barry Co Mich July 7 th 1850
Sir.
I have the Honor to enclose you herewith the declaration of a child of Abiah Forbes deceased widow of John Forbes under the joint Resolution of 1 st July 1838.
As this claim is admitted upon the production of the enclosed declaration I have the goodness to favour one with an immediate reply.
The declaration made by myself in behalf of the children as their Agent not being actionable you will please return the same.
Very Respectfully Your Ob t Serv t M rs J. Bathurst

Abiah Forby wid of John G. Gaynagle NY, act 4 July 1836. p 30 10
To what time was she last paid? Pension Office G 46 A Decm 18 1849 } Died 18 th July 1848. P. to her death. M.P.B.

5 Feb 1824 resp. Albert Harker for
John L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

5 Feb 1824 resp. Abt. Harker for
PAID
John L. Edward Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

Osceola Falls July 29. 1844.
Hon J. L. Edwards
Sir
Will you please inform me whether an application of Abiah Forbes for a Pension has been acted upon
As on 29th of November last you wrote me that the evidence of the date of her marriage was satisfactory but that there was some doubt as to the names of her husband upon which the original pension certificate was issued - You also stated that Forbes alleged that "he served five months in 1776 in Colonel Hopkins Regiment and some months under various drafts from 1779 to the end of the war in companies commanded by Captains Ostrom, Smith, Van Rensselaer and other officers of Dutchess County"
I sent you from the middle of December two certificates from the Comptroller's Office stating that the name of Abiah Forbes was not found in any of the rolls of the Continental Congress in relation to the matter. Since then I have visited Albany & personally inspected the rolls, returns, & etc. & cannot find any such name upon them. There is not in the Office at Albany any returns of companies commanded by

Captains Smith & Osborn which served in Dutchess County during the war - There is a return of Captain Van- Benschoten who served with the army in 1779 under Colonel Hopkins but the names of John Forbes is not among them. There is not return of officers & privates serving under Colonel Hop- kins previous to 1777 to be found.
I requested the Comptroller to give me a certificate of these facts but he refused, for the grounds that they never gave negative cer- tificates . I am however willing to verify these statements by oath -
As these rolls in the Comptroller's office do not include those of Colonel Hopkins in 1776 nor of the other officers under whom Forbes states he served, their absence cannot be taken as invalidating the claim of Forbes widow for a Pension - I suppose therefore that it will rest solely upon the proof original presented -
Please inform me of the decision on the application as soon as it is made & if against - as application please send me an abstract of the original papers -
Yours Respectfully D. D. Holmes

New York Roll
act of 1832
Abiah Forbes widow of John Forbes, deceased
Jas. G. Austin atty
Washington D. C.
July 10 th 1852
[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page]

Ms. A. 9. 2. 23. 12 Ms. A. 9. 2. 23. 12 Ms. A. 9. 2. 23. 12 Ms. A. 9. 2. 23. 12
In behalf of the heirs who write me, I desire to have the papers of Abrah Forber Wid of John Forber deceased N.Y. Roll act of 1832 Washington D.C.
July 12/50 J. G. Austin

Yancey Falls Apr 11 th 1843
Sir
I send you herewith the declaration of Phoebe Marsh made under and in conformity to the act of 1843. She has formerly received a pension for 8 years under the act of 1838 & now applies for another years pension under that of 1843.
In the case of Abiah Forbes your letter stating that the records of the Dutchess County Militia in which John Forbes in his application stated that he had served or duly received - Enclosed I send you two letters received from a Comptroller of the Militia. It seems that the name of John Forbes is not to be found. The letter of the Deputy Comptroller of the 2 d instant is in reply to mine simply enquiring whether the name of John Forbes can't be found on the rolls of the Companies in which he stated he served. The second note of the 7 th instant is in reply to inquiries whether the rolls of those companies are on file among the records of the office. It is stated it will be seen "that nothing bearing on the case is found" from which I infer that the

rolls of the companies are not now among the records - An explicit certificate stating whether such be the fact or not can be obtained if necessary I presume -
Please inform me whether there any further evidence in this case is required. If so I wish you to send me a brief abstract of Hobbs original declaration - so that I can proceed further more intelligently - I did not make out his original papers & know nothing of the grounds upon which the original certificate was issued -
The widow of James Cotton has applied to me to aid her in an application for a Pension. She states that her husb- and a said James Cotton was a soldier in the Revolution and served with the Connecticut troops - Will you do me the favour to inform me whether his name appears upon the Rolls -
Very Respectfully Your Obedient Servant D. C. Bloomer
Am L. L. Edward Com'r of Pensions Washington

1853 Sep 15 1843. 1843 A. Abiah Forbes. Oct 1836 N.Y.
John 32
Rev. John P. Church Commissioner of Pensions Washington

32 John
Hon John L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington

Seneca Falls Sept 12 th 1843
Sir
Enclosed I send you the papers designed to furnish proof that the applicant - Abigail Forbes is entitled to a Pension under the 8 th Section of the act of 1836, as the widow of John Forbes deceased =
John Forbes deceased was a Soldier of the Revolution received a Pension for his services as will appear by the records of the Department. He died on the 14 th July 1839 leaving his widow Abigail Forbes who is still living.
The proofs of her marriage and to John Forbes consists of her own declaration and the affidavit of her brother Daniel Ward who saw the marriage solemnised.
In case the applicant establishes her claim to a Pension, she will be entitled to receive the same the full amount - from which her husband would have been entitled to from the date of his death had he lived I suppose -
Yours &c
J. B. Plummer
for L. L. Edwards -

Recd 15 Feb
file
New York Abraham Stokes
add. man. 5953
Oct 11. 1843
L. Edwards Commissaire & Poems Washington D.C.
D. D. Bloomer

Recd 15 Feb
file OCT 14 New York
Abrah Stokes
add man 5933
Oct 11. 1843
L. Edwards Commissaire & Pensions Washington D.C.
D. A. Bloomer

New York Oct 13. 1893
Sir
I sent you some papers since from Seneca Falls N.Y. the papers in the case of the application of the  Abiah  Abiah  Abiah Abiah Forbes widow of John Forbes of Savannah Wayne County for a Pension. The papers then sent consisted of the declaration of the applicant and the affidavit of her brother Daniel et Ward. I now send you enclosed an affidavit of Rev Benjamin Dr Will of Butcher Co. Ky. which shows that the applicant Abiah Forbes was married by the Rev Wheeler base Feb 5. 1772.
There is some variation between this record of the marriage in Butcher county and the declaration of Mrs Forbes - Ky.
The applicant states that she was married in Jan 1768 . The record of the marriage shows that the marriage took place in Feb 1772.
The applicant and also her brother Daniel states that base was an Episcopal, whereas in fact he was a Presbyterian minister.
These variations cannot however it seems to me be be material. The first relates to time , and certainly a mistake of 3 or 4 years in giving dates by a person of the age of Mrs Forbes is

not unusual and cannot be fatal. The mistake in stating that Mr. Gage was an Episcopal clergyman might also very easily occur.
I think therefore that from the whole of this testimony the case is clearly made out - that Abigail Forbes is the widow of John Forbes and that she was married a time before the Revolution.
Yours Respectfully
J. C. Bloomer
Hon J. L. Edwards Washington
P. S. Direct all letters &c to me at - Seneca Falls N.Y.

D. C. Bloomer
Seneca Falls N.Y.

Comptroller's Office Albany Dec 2 d 1843
Sir
The name of Mr. Forster is not found in the books, documents, or papers, pertaining to the Revolutionary period, remaining in this office after a careful examination for that purpose.
I am very respectfully Yr. Obs. Servt. Philip Phelps Deer Compt.
D. C. Bloomer Seneca Falls N.Y.

In the matter of Abias Forbes an applicant for a Pension
D. O. Hemenway

D. C. Bloomer
in the matter of Chas. Foster an attorney for a Patent

The examination in the case of Forbes has been made with reference to all the papers pertaining to the Revolutionary period, and nothing bearing upon his case is found. Dec. 7 th 1843
Philip Sheppard Dept. Comptroller

Washington April 29. 1850
Sir
Mrs. Abiah Forbes widow of John Forbes a revolutionary pensioner on the Michigan Roll, has a claim pending in your office for a pension as widow or in her own right. You will oblige me by decision on the case at your early convenience and transmitting the pension certificate to H. H. Washington Esqr of this city.
I am very Resp d
W. J. Kingman
James L. Edwards Esqr Commr. of Pensions

Hastings Barry Co Mich August 5th 1889
Sir
Enclosed you have the surveyors Certificate of the death of widow Abiah Forbes late a pensioner of the United States at thirty dollars a year her husband John Forbes having been a pensioner of Sixty dollars a year and his widow having died since the passage of the joint Resolutions of the 1st of July 1868 are her surviving children entitled to the benefit benefit of that Resolution and what are the requisite vouchers And if they are not entitled to its benefit was not the widow at the time of her death entitled to the full benefit her husband's pension.
Very Respectfully Yours Cby Servt Wm J. Bottom
Hon J. D. Edwards Commr of Pensions Washington D. C.

Hastings Barry Co Mich Nov 24th 1849
Sir
Enclosed please find the affidavit of the Grand Jury and Under -Clerks at the funeral of Abiah Forbes a vessel. late the widow of John Forbes which is the only attainable evidence admissible at your Office.
No Physician attended in her last illness as she died with Apoplexy The Minister who preached her funeral sermon was an itinerant and his residence is not known therefore the enclosed it is presumed will be satisfactory.
Very Respectfully Yours W m J. Bottom
Hon J. L. Edwards Washington D C

Middleville Barry Co Mich Jan'y 6th 1820
Sir
Enclosed you have a declaration before the Court in the case of Abigail Forbes deceased widow of John Forbes whose papers are on file in your Office The declaration I believe is unnecessary An immediate reply is requested as the last proof is on file but not exam- ined Very Respectfully Yours Affly Servt Wm. J. Batterson
Hon J. H. Edwards Com! Pensions Washington District Columbia

State of New Jersey Wayne County ss. I George H. Wooddleton the surrogate of of the said County of Wayne do hereby certify that at a surrogates Court held before me at my Office in Newark in said County on the 11 day of July 1849 satisfactory evidence was advanced before me to prove that widow Abiah Forbes late of Savannah in said County and State was a pensioner of the United States at the rate of Thirty dollars per annum as the widow of John Forbes who was a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States That the said Abiah Forbes died on the 18th day of July 1848 leaving the following named children her surviving who are her only surviving children namely Prudence Williams of Savannah Wayne County New York and Polly Holmgrove of Cayuga County New York and that each is more than twenty one years of age
Given under my hand and seal of Office this 11 day of July 1849
George H. Wooddleton Surrogate of Wayne County N.J.

Inverness Abrah Fobbs wid of John M c
act 4 July 1836, and Genl. Resolution of 1 st May 1848
Admo, $10 00 p an from 14 May 1839, to 18 May 1848, the day of her death, payable to Providence Williams, and Polly Collymore only. Sharing Chevrons of Abrah Fobbs dec d - deducting what has been paid at the rate of $30 00 p an for the same time
W m J. Bottom Hastings.
Barry co Mich

STATE OF NEW-YORK, WAYNE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, } ss.
I, ALEXANDER B. WILLIAMS, Clerk of said County, and of the Courts of Record thereof, do hereby certify that See Affidavit Rosey Esquire, before whom the annexed Affidavit was taken, was at the time of taking such, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly elected and sworn, and authorized by the laws of said State to administer oaths and affirmations. Further, that I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of said Justice, and verily believe his name subscribed to the Jurats of the annexed Affidavit to be genuine. In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County, and of the Courts of Record thereof, at Lyons, this Seventeenth day of November 184 9
A. B. Williams Clerk.

State of New York } Mayne County } ss Personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said County John Wilder a resident of Savannah in said County aged forty two years after being duly sworn see- ring to law deposes and says that he was personally acquainted with widows Abiah Forbes late a pensioner of the United States at the rate of Thirty Dollars per annum and resident of Savannah in said County late the widow of John Forbes who was also a pensioner of the United States deponent deposes and says that the said Abiah Forbes died on the 18th day of July 1848 Eighteen hundred and forty eight having at the time of her death the following named children her surviving namely Prudence Williams a resident of Savannah in said County and Polly Colgrove of Cayuga Cayuga County New York. that this deponent was personally acquainted with the sickness death and burial of the said Abiah Forbes that he dug the grave in which she was buried and officiated at the funeral and burial as Undertaker and that she died as above set forth Subscribed and sworn to } John Wilder the 16th day of June 1848 } Geo. F. Torrey Justice of the Peace
I certify that the above named John Wilder is a respectable person and a credible witness as is personally known to me Geo. F. Torrey

April 13, 1935
XXXXXXXXXXXX
Mrs. Elsie Forbes Devine 690 Thompson Avenue Salem, Oregon
NA-3/1827/col
Dear Madame:
Your letter of April 2, 1935, addressed to President Franklin D. Roosevelt in regard to any pension which might be due you on account of service of your great grandfather, John Forbes, in the Revolutionary War and the service of your grandfather, John Forbes, in the War of 1812, has been referred to the Veterans Administration for attention and reply.
The Revolutionary War records of this office show that John Forbes, who served as sergeant in the New York Troops, received a pension from the United States and died July 14, 1839, the date of death you cite, and that his widow, Abiah Forbes, received a pension, also. There is no claim for pension on file based upon service in the War of 1812 of a John Forbes, of New York State.
There is no provision of law under which the children or grandchildren, or other descendants of soldiers of the Revolutionary War and War of 1812 are entitled to pension based upon service in these wars. It is regretted, therefore, that the Veterans Administration cannot aid you in the matter of securing a pension.
Presuming that the record of the above named Revolutionary War soldier might be of interest to you, it is furnished herewith.
Very truly yours
A. D. MILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

RESPECTFULLY REFERRED FOR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND CONSIDERATION
Yours M c Henry Howe
Reply to President.

Veteran Salem, Oregon, April 2, 1935.
Mr. Franklin D. Roosevelt, President of the United States.
Honored Sir,
Please excuse my writing to you about a personal matter, a pension for myself, when I know you are weighed down by heavy national cares, but I don't know whom to apply to. I am a widow, 73 yrs. old but I am not eligible to receive the "old age" pension in this county because I have not resided here long enough. Recently I lost $1000.00 through the failure of the Portland Electric Power Company. I had kept that thousand dollars invested in 3rd Liberty Bonds till they were called then bought P. E. P. Co. preferred stock.
My hope for a pension from the Government is based on the following:

My great grandfather, John Forbes, served as Ord. Sgt. in the Revolutionary War from Aug. 1 1777 to Aug. 1 1779. He enlisted under Col. Graham, Col. Bailey and Col. Brinkerhoff. He was wounded at the battle of White Plains.
I am a D.A.R. on his account from information received from the Pension Bureau Sep. 10, 1904. My national number is 51,714.
Great grandfather applied for a pension July 25, 1832. He died July 14, 1839. His widow was granted a pension. She died July 18, 1848. They had two daughters, Eliza Forbes, m. Dr. Hooten and Prudence Forbes, m. Lester Williams. Their only son, John Forbes, my grandfather served in the War of 1812 in the 3rd Regiment of New York State Artillery from Sep. 15, 1812 to Dec. 15, 1812. Also, in same regiment from Sep. 2 1814 to Dec. 3, 1814, the conclusion of the war. Afterward a Battalion was formed including a company in which my grandfather had served and he, John Forbes, was appointed to the command of that Battalion with the title of Major.
His health was broken down by service and hardships on the "Canada Lines" and he was an invalid the rest of his life. He died in the summer of 1831 (or 1832) many years before his father died. He left his father and mother and wife and one child (A.G. Forbes afterward my father) without

support and impoverished by his long illness. Neither he nor his widow ever received a pension.
This great and rich nation can now afford to pay to me that long over due debt to my grand father and my father and I shall be very grateful if you will pass this letter on to the proper person to secure for me "back pay" or pension on their account.
Sincerely and loyally yours
Elsie Forbes De Vries, Thompson Ave., Salem, Oregon.

77-128 R -53
Greeley Colorado,
Aug. 26, 1904
Commissioner of Pensions Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir,
Some time ago I wrote to General Ainsworth Chief of Record and Pension Office of the War Department for the military history of my great grandfather John Forbes who served our country during the Revolutionary War; but, as I could not give the designation of the organiza- tion in which he served but know that he received a pension for many

years I was directed to apply to you for the full military history of John Forbes who probably enlisted in a Vermont Regiment. His rank was sergeant. He was with the Patriot Army at Valley Forge - fought at Monmouth, Trenton and Long Island. He received a pension during his later years while living at Scipio or at Fleming Cayuga Co., N.Y. or at Savannah Wayne Co. N.Y. with his daughter Prudence, wife of Lester Williams, whose name may appear on some of the pension papers. (My father, A. J. Forbes, now living here, thinks the pension was $90) ninety dollars a year.)

Great-grand father John Forbes died about 1844.
I wish you would give the military history of his son my grand-father John Forbes, also, who served in the war of 1812 on the "Canada line" as it was called, with Schuy- ler, probably in a New York regiment.
My father served when a boy in the New York "State Militia" but was prevented by ill health from serving during the Civil War though two of my uncles one with the rank of Captain, served well. My brother, Edward Forbes served with a Montana Company in the Philippines and my son, Chester Forbes De Sire,

4 served last fall at Cripple Creek in Co. D, 1st Inf., C. N. G. so you will understand that I have a great wish for our unbroken military history. You will confer a great favor upon me by answer- ing this application at your earliest convenience.
Very Truly,
Elsie Forbes DeLine.

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. _____
16992
Abiah Forbes
Widow of John Forbes Leigh Rev War
Act: _____
July 4 th 1836
Index:—Vol. _____
9
Page _____
248
[Arrangement of 1870.]

10, 1904. Hist. To Mrs. Elsie Sophie De Vito, Greeley, Colo. Hist Far
1935-Apr 13 - Hist To Mrs. Elsie Facher De Vito - Sol

New York 4002
Abiah Forbes
widow of John Forbes who was a Pensioner under the act of June 7, 1832 who died on the 14 th July 1839 of Wayne Co. in the State of N. York who was a Sergeant in the company commanded by Captain Smith. of the reg't. commanded by in the N. York line for 6 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 30 Dollars _____ Cents per annum. to commence on the 1 st 14 th July 1839
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 th day of April 1844 and sent to D.C. Bloomer Seneca Falls, N. York
Arrears to the 4 th of March 1844 390 — Semi-annual allowance ending 4 th Sep. " 15 —
$ 405 : 00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 }
Recorded by D Brown Clerk, Book C Vol. 1, Page 114

Rej. 2.
Sette W. S. Bottoms Oct 1849 " same Dec 1849 " same May 4 - 1850 " Hon. H. S. Bingham May 21 st 1850

State of New York Cayuga County } Personally appeared before the subscribing a Justice of the Peace in and for said county Lester Williams and David Williams both of whom I certify to be respectable persons and after being duly sworn according to law as from and say that they were both personally acquainted with Abiah Forbes of Savannah in Wayne N.Y.  Sag Harbor County late a pensioner of the United States at the rate of Thirty dollars per annum widow of John Forbes and with their family dependents as from and say that the said Abiah Forbes died on the 18th day of July 1848 that they were personally acquainted with her sickness death and burial that at the time of her death she left the following named children her surviving who are her only children her surviving to wit - Prudence Will- iams of Savannah Wayne County New York and Polly Cady of Cayuga Cayuga County New York and that both are over twenty one years of age Subscribed and sworn before me This 27 th day of Sept 1848 J. P. Post Justice of the Peace } his Mark Lester Williams David Williams
I certify that the above wards Cayuga & Wayne in the above affidavit were introduced before it was executed J. P. Post

State of New York
County of ... Personally appeared before the ... a list of the ... in and for said ... county whom I certify to be a Minister of the Gospel and a respectable person and under oath in due form of law that he is a Minister of the Gospel and as such officiated at the funeral and burial of Abiah Forbes deceased of Savannah Wayne county New York ... of the United States and preached her funeral sermon upon her corpse and says that the said Abiah Forbes died on the day of 1868 Eighteen hundred and forty eight ... subscribed and sworn before me this day of 1868
Chas. Allen Cayuga County Clerk
State of New York Cayuga County ss. I hereby certify that the within copy is a true and correct copy of the original now on file in my office and that the same was taken from the original at the time of making the same. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County the 22nd day of May 1850. O. B. Mason, Dep. Clerk

State of New York
Cayuga County Clerk's Office I hereby certify that Nathaniel Post Esq before whom the foregoing affidavit was taken was at the time of taking the same a justice of the Peace in & for said County duly Elected and authorized to take the same. Also that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice and verily believe the foregoing to be his genuine signature. In Witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said County the date of record hereof this 28 th day of May 1850. E. B. Marvin Dep Clerk Cayuga County Clerk's Office | Clerk absent
State of New York County of New York On this day personally appeared before the undersigned a daughter of the person whose name is subscribed to the foregoing instrument and acknowledged that she executed the same for the purposes and consideration therein expressed. Given under my hand and seal this 14th day of December 1885

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the joint Resolutions of Congress of July 1 st 1850 & 8 th Making the proof of the Linaburs services satisfactory on the application of the widow State of New York Cayuga County ss
On this 24 th day of May 18 50 personally appeared before the Court in open Court Polly Colegrove of Aurelius Cayuga County New York who being first duly sworn according to law after on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the ben- efit of the above mentioned Resolutions of Congress. That she is a child of Abiah Forbes deceased widow of John Forbes who was a Revo- lutionary pensioner of the United States at sixty dollars per annum and who died leaving the above named Abiah Forbes his widow who was also a pensioner at the rate of thirty dollars per annum and who died on the 18 th day of July 1850 Eighteen hundred & forty Eight. Having at her death the following named children her surviving who are her only surviving children namely Prudence Williams of Wayne County New York and Polly Colegrove the present ap- plicant and that each is more than twenty one years of age
Subscribed and sworn before the Court in open Court the 24 th day of May
her Polly Colegrove mark
1850 & the Court certify that the above named Polly Colegrove is a respectable person that she made her mark instead of subscribing her name to the above declaration for the reason that she could not write, never having

learned to write - May 24, 1850 John Westcott County Judge of Cayuga County.
State of New York
Cayuga County Clerk's Office G. I hereby certify that John P. Hulse Esq before whom the foregoing Affidavit & certificate was taken and Certificate made was at the time of taking the same County Judge of Cayuga County, and the Presiding Judge of the County Court then in Session, that said Affidavit was taken in open Court, that said Judge was duly Elected and authorized to act as such Judge administer oaths &c And that the foregoing is his genuine Signature.
In Witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County and the County Court thereof this 25. May 1850
E B Marvin Dist Clerk (Cayuga County Clerk absent)